Early Pioneers in Philanthropy

There is a long history of philanthropy with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the founding congregation of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System. One of the earliest and most legendary philanthropists was Sister Mary of Jesus Noirry.

In the late 1800s, Sister Mary of Jesus traveled through San Antonio and surrounding towns and ranches to beg for money to help the children served at the Santa Rosa Infirmary and at St. Joseph’s Orphanage. Sisters, including Sister Mary of Jesus, regularly went out and begged for donations at local government offices, businesses, military posts and railroad construction sites.

Sister Mary of Jesus was fearless in her travels and in her fundraising. She disguised her religious habit by donning an overcoat that reached to her ankles, boots and a broad-brimmed straw hat. Because the roads were often dangerous, she carried pistols for protection from wild animals and unruly encounters.

As described by one of her traveling companions: “After tying the horses to the wagon, she would spread her blankets on the ground, say her night prayers, take out her pistols, and placing one of them at each side of her, at a convenient distance, she would lie down and sleep as peacefully as if she were in her bed.”¹

Today, the generosity of our donors makes it possible for us to continue our mission and we thank our founding Congregation for paving the philanthropic way.

¹Promises to Keep, Vol. I, pgs. 35-36

CHRISTUS Children’s Selected Among Top Grant Recipients from The Toy Foundation

CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems to receive funding for play projects that will improve the care and well-being of pediatric patients (APRIL 11, 2024 – SAN ANTONIO) – CHRISTUS Children’s is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of a $15,000 grant from The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Children’s Hospital Play Grants program. The grant will expand sensory-friendly play opportunities for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s, particularly within its emergency services and behavioral health areas. The initiative aims to promote and support a calm and comforting hospital environment. Specialized toys designed for sensory engagement will be purchased and used by child life specialists at CHRISTUS Children’s to provide essential coping support. The sensory safety kits will be distributed to patients for use during their hospital stay, upon discharge, and at home. “Our child life specialists play such an important role in providing emotional and social support for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s,” said Terry Kyle, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from The Toy Foundation that will allow our specialists to continue their impactful work.” CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems selected to receive a Children’s Hospital Play Grant. TTF is distributing $389,000 nationwide, marking a significant gesture expected to bring joy and support to approximately 240,000 children. Play is a powerful tool that can significantly improve the care, well-being, and health outcomes of pediatric patients. Hospitals are reliant on external funding or donations to provide this key aspect of the holistic pediatric care model, and TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program helps fill this need. Focused on supporting hospitals that serve under-resourced communities, where 50% or more of patients rely on Medicaid, the program has delivered the benefits of play to 360,000 children since 2021. “Play has a profound impact on a child’s healing journey, benefiting their physical, emotional, and educational well-being,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director at The Toy Foundation. “We are pleased to support CHRISTUS Children’s in providing the power of play to help their patients heal and thrive.” For more information about TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program and to see the full list of 2024 grant recipients, visit ToyFoundation.org. ### About CHRISTUS Children’s CHRISTUS Children’s became San Antonio’s first freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, CHRISTUS Children’s is part of CHRISTUS Health. Baylor College of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the nation, is the academic partner of The Children’s Hospital with 180 pediatric specialists affiliated with Baylor. In addition, community physicians in private practice remain a valuable partner in the care of women and children in our community. We are a health care ministry that works to continually meet the needs of the community to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, following the values and mission of our sponsoring congregations: Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. About The Toy Foundation The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play through three program areas – The Toy Bank, Play Grants, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Program. Thanks to the toy industry’s support, TTF has delivered play to more than 31 million children in need around the world.

Early Pioneers in Philanthropy

Share This Post:

Related Articles

CHRISTUS Children’s Selected Among Top Grant Recipients from The Toy Foundation

CHRISTUS Children’s Appoints New Endowed Chair Holder in Pediatric Neurology

Ace Hardware Round Up

Be a hero for children. Make a Gift Today.

Follow Us